Taiwan News Quick Take

Agencies, with Staff writer

Sat, Dec 14, 2013 - Page 4

CHARITY

More donations needed

The non-profit United Way of Taiwan called on the public to contribute to an annual fundraising campaign launched in support of social welfare work, which is still 70 percent short of its target. The organization launched its 19th annual fundraising drive in cooperation with Citibank on Nov. 1, with the goal of collecting NT$100 million (US$3.38 million) by the end of February next year. However, due to an economic downturn and a “crowding out” effect created by fundraisers for overseas disaster relief efforts, only about NT$30 million has been received so far. Hundreds of local social welfare groups have applied for subsidies totaling NT$580 million next year, but United Way said it will only be able to provide NT$350 million, if it succeeds in raising NT$100 million via the current campaign. The money collected will go to 500 local social welfare groups, and failure to meet the target will affect their programs.

COMMUNITY

Help protect Taichung bears

The Greater Taichung Government is calling on members of the public to help protect the figurines in this year’s Teddy Bear Taichung LOHAS Carnival after more than 10 bears across the city were found to have suffered damage. The carnival opened on Nov. 28 and will run till Jan. 5 next year and features over 100 figurines, each as tall as a person. Greater Taichung Deputy Mayor Tsai Ping-kun (蔡炳坤) said the city government does not want to send any figurines back to the manufacturer for repairs, but if the damage is too great, it might have to. He reminded people not to touch or climb the figurines, adding that he hoped people would pass this message on to anyone they find doing so.